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Product Description

The forefather of classic Ghurka design, this sophisticated leather carry-on bag makes the ideal weekend travel bag. With thoughtful details like an umbrella loop and adjustable shoulder strap, this carry-on duffel represents the quintessence of form and function. The appeal of this sophisticated bag has endured for over 40 years. Standing the test of time with its ageless style and unrelenting construction, No. 2 weekender is a powerful addition to our luggage collection.

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What Fits in This Bag

Stories

Sounds of the Summer: This Season’s Best Outdoor Music

Contrary to popular belief, there is in fact a cure for the summertime blues. And in some cases, a different type of blues (or bluegrass, or jazz, or folk) will do just the trick. Outdoor music season is upon us, with a myriad of concerts taking place from coast to coast. Here, a shortlist of the best this summer has to offer:
Thanks to the Newport Folk Festival and the Newport Jazz Festival occurring over back-to-back weekends this July, we’ve got two solid reasons to pack our bags for the coast. This year’s Folk Festival will host the likes of Ray LaMontagne and Father John Misty, and for some comic relief, New Zealand’s Flight of the Conchords (known for their eponymous, short-lived HBO series). A week later, the Jazz Festival c...

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Contrary to popular belief, there is in fact a cure for the summertime blues. And in some cases, a different type of blues (or bluegrass, or jazz, or folk) will do just the trick. Outdoor music season is upon us, with a myriad of concerts taking place from coast to coast. Here, a shortlist of the best this summer has to offer:
Thanks to the Newport Folk Festival and the Newport Jazz Festival occurring over back-to-back weekends this July, we’ve got two solid reasons to pack our bags for the coast. This year’s Folk Festival will host the likes of Ray LaMontagne and Father John Misty, and for some comic relief, New Zealand’s Flight of the Conchords (known for their eponymous, short-lived HBO series). A week later, the Jazz Festival celebrates the 75th birthday of Chick Corea with two nights of performances by the jazz pianist, plus sounds from Norah Jones, Kamasi Washington, and Gregory Porter over the weekend. Newport Folk Festival: July 22nd – 24th, newportfolk.org; Newport Jazz Festival: July 29th – 31st, newportjazzfest.org
Hit the Windy City to celebrate the 25th year of Lollapalooza. Whether it’s commanding sounds from LCD Soundsystem, Radiohead, and Disclosure; strong female vocals from Haim, Ellie Goulding, and Grimes; or all-out sonic chaos from Major Lazer, Die Antwoord, and Bloc Party, there’s something for a variety of musical tastes. In case you need a break from the tunes, the festival’s convenient Grant Park location means a quick respite is a short walk away. July 28th – 31st, lollapalooza.com
Taking place the first weekend of the month, San Francisco’s Outside Lands brings sounds from Lionel Richie, Beach House, and Sufjan Stevens, among many others, to the city by the bay. While August may be the height of summer for most of the country, San Francisco has conveniently opted out thanks to their typically cooler temps—making it a perfect time to visit. August 5th – 7th, sfoutsidelands.com
To quote the coonskin-wearing Davy Crockett, “you may all go to Hell, and I will go to Texas.” It’s quite a suggestion, but we’ll go with the latter—and close out the summer with Austin City Limits. The two-weekend festival spans a number of musical genres, catering to all kinds of music fans. A few added bonuses: Texas legend Willie Nelson takes the stage during the second weekend, and you’ll be dreaming about Austin’s legendary Tex-Mex until tickets go on sale for next year. September 30th – October 2nd; October 7th – 9th, aclfestival.com

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Leather Travel Essentials

There are certain items that I have found I take with me whenever I travel. It doesn't really matter where I am going, or if it’s for work or leisure, they always go with me. One of these items is my Ghurka Express No. 2 bag (and if it looks like the possibility of rain, another is my Ghurka umbrella). The other item is my Tilley hat.
I use the Express No. 2 as my essential carry-on when flying. I’ll throw my toiletries and electric shaver in it, as well as a change of clothes, just in case my suitcase doesn't show up at my destination at the same time I do. Add in my travel humidor for my cigars and cigar tools (I have this great small antique sterling silver cigar ashtray from Tiffany’s that I take which fits nicely into the zipp...

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There are certain items that I have found I take with me whenever I travel. It doesn't really matter where I am going, or if it’s for work or leisure, they always go with me. One of these items is my Ghurka Express No. 2 bag (and if it looks like the possibility of rain, another is my Ghurka umbrella). The other item is my Tilley hat.
I use the Express No. 2 as my essential carry-on when flying. I’ll throw my toiletries and electric shaver in it, as well as a change of clothes, just in case my suitcase doesn't show up at my destination at the same time I do. Add in my travel humidor for my cigars and cigar tools (I have this great small antique sterling silver cigar ashtray from Tiffany’s that I take which fits nicely into the zippered side pocket so I always have a cigar ashtray handy for the ashes), my iPad (or before that my CD player), headphones, a book or two, and maybe a sweatshirt or sweater for the plane ride and I’m all set. Thus fitted out I have logged many, many trips over the last 12 years across America, Europe and Asia. All with the same Express bag.
I also use my Express No. 2, and take my umbrella whenever I go on a road trip. They fit nicely into my T-Bird, and accompany me (and my wife) as we explore New England. Top down, cruising through the countryside, definitely the way to see the northeast.
I am writing to you about this because after more than 12 years of using my Express and Ghurka umbrella on more than a hundred trips, I find it interesting that people still stop me to comment on how great my bag looks. They ask who made it and from where it was purchased., When I tell them that it’s more than 10 years old with thousands of miles of use, they look at me in disbelief.
I guess this shows that if you buy a quality, classic product and take care of it, it will last for many years, and continue to catch the eye of people who appreciate quality and great craftsmanship.
With kind regards,
Kenneth L.

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Escape: The Catskills

“You know Woodstock wasn’t really in Woodstock” is one of those nuggets of trivia that people who enjoy dropping such things into cocktail conversation love to use. And while true- the legendary Woodstock Festival was held some 50 miles away in Bethel, NY-it doesn’t make the actual hamlet of Woodstock any less worthy of a visit. As a weekend destination, the town of Woodstock checks all the boxes, first and foremost being its location. Woodstock is at the foot of the Catskill Mountains, which had been a popular vacation destination for well-to-do New Yorkers from the early 1800s until well into the 20th Century. One of the most beautiful parts of the country, the Catskills are the great outdoors at their finest, offerin...

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“You know Woodstock wasn’t really in Woodstock” is one of those nuggets of trivia that people who enjoy dropping such things into cocktail conversation love to use. And while true- the legendary Woodstock Festival was held some 50 miles away in Bethel, NY-it doesn’t make the actual hamlet of Woodstock any less worthy of a visit. As a weekend destination, the town of Woodstock checks all the boxes, first and foremost being its location. Woodstock is at the foot of the Catskill Mountains, which had been a popular vacation destination for well-to-do New Yorkers from the early 1800s until well into the 20th Century. One of the most beautiful parts of the country, the Catskills are the great outdoors at their finest, offering hiking, fishing, swimming, skiing, or just the increasingly rare option to do absolutely nothing in a stunningly gorgeous setting.
What sets Woodstock apart from the other small towns scattered about the region is its culture and charm. Though it boasts a full time population of less than 6,000, Woodstock has for over a hundred years been a haven for artists, writers, and musicians, a trend that continues to this day. The main street has a quaint shopping area with a decidedly hippie feel, perusing the boutiques, galleries, and goods from local craftsmen can easily fill an afternoon. Live music venues and theaters abound with performances nearly every evening, and a number of great restaurants means there’s still plenty to experience once the sun goes down. A mere 120 miles from Manhattan, Woodstock couldn’t feel further removed from the urban grind.
WHAT TO DO: Take a hike. To visit the Catskills without getting out and into nature would be missing the point, and a wander along one of the area’s many trails is a great way to experience it. We like taking the Overlook Trail, a fairly easy hike that starts right in town and takes you up to the abandoned ruins of the once grand Overlook Mountain House resort as well to one of the original fire towers, for which a climb to the top is rewarded with 360 degree views of the surrounding areas. For those who enjoy their journeys a little more self propelled, nearby Esopus Creek is a popular spot for tubing in the warmer months, and the winter ski slopes of Belleayre are less than a half hour away.
WHERE TO STAY: While Kate Pierson is probably best known as the bouffant hairdoed singer of the B-52s, she is also the proprietor of Kate’s Lazy Meadow in neighboring Mt.Tremper. While the property, which lies right along the edge of Esopus Creek, boasts a number of funkily decorated suites and cabins, we’re partial to spending the night in one of their vintage Airsteam trailers.
WHERE TO EAT: Woodstock has been doing organic and farm to table dining since far before they were buzzwords, and the town leaves no shortage of culinary options. For some fuel at the beginning of your day try the fresh squeezed juices, amazing breakfast sandwiches, and hilarious stories from owner Dawn at the tiny but bustling Corner Cupboard. For brunch or a late lunch hit Oriole 9, where the Michelin trained chef and his wife source much of the ingredients from their own farm. Upscale Italian restaurant Cucina is the most elegant spot in town, and a great choice for a romantic dinner.
HOW TO GET THERE: While taking I-87 North is the quickest way, getting you to Woodstock from the George Washington Bridge in just about 2 hours, it’s also quite boring. For a drive that’s as scenic as the destination, we like to take the West Side Highway up through the Sawmill River Parkway and follow route 9 all the way along the East side of the Hudson before cutting over on the 55 near Poughkeepsie. While it will add some time to your commute, it is more than made up for by the same views that inspired the famed Hudson Valley School of painters in the late 1800s and the twisting roads that can make for some seriously spirited driving. And in your trunk? A Ghurka day-tripping bag, of course, like our, Explorer No.239.

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Let's Begin with No. 2

It all started with a bag - No. 2 Express.
Inspired by the military campaign gear of the Ghurka officers of the early twentieth century, this style evoked the kind of rugged adventure and far-flung travel that changes a man's life forever.
The success of No. 2 launched a brand that our founder Marley Hodgson called, "an inspiring, timeless collection of travel and sporting gear, ideal for both city and country." As appropriate in bucolic New England as on the African savannah, Ghurka would change the way American men set off on their own adventures.
True to Marley's mission, we hope to continue to inspire our collectors through a growing range of ex...

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It all started with a bag - No. 2 Express.
Inspired by the military campaign gear of the Ghurka officers of the early twentieth century, this style evoked the kind of rugged adventure and far-flung travel that changes a man's life forever.
The success of No. 2 launched a brand that our founder Marley Hodgson called, "an inspiring, timeless collection of travel and sporting gear, ideal for both city and country." As appropriate in bucolic New England as on the African savannah, Ghurka would change the way American men set off on their own adventures.
True to Marley's mission, we hope to continue to inspire our collectors through a growing range of exciting products and editorial content that stir up the itch to explore.

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Great Drives: California SR-1 and 17-Mile Drive

The fact that Pebble Beach and the Monterey Peninsula became a mecca of for the upper echelon of car enthusiasts is no coincidence. Yes, the golf courses stretching along the sea certainly provide a natural beauty to enhance the flowing sheet metal of the cars, but as with most great journeys, getting there is half the fun. In tribute to another successful year co-hosting the Aston Martin Estate at Monterey Car Week, we dedicate this edition of Great Drives to the road that runs right through it- 17 Mile Drive and California State Route 1.

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The fact that Pebble Beach and the Monterey Peninsula became a mecca of for the upper echelon of car enthusiasts is no coincidence. Yes, the golf courses stretching along the sea certainly provide a natural beauty to enhance the flowing sheet metal of the cars, but as with most great journeys, getting there is half the fun. In tribute to another successful year co-hosting the Aston Martin Estate at Monterey Car Week, we dedicate this edition of Great Drives to the road that runs right through it- 17 Mile Drive and California State Route 1.
SR1, or Highway 1 as it’s commonly known- and in some areas Pacific Coast Highway- runs some 655 miles along California’s coast. While it could be picked up in any number of places that would make for memorable motoring, for this particular route we’ll start at one of our favorite places in the Golden State- the Ghurka Store at 245 Post Street in San Francisco. Though there are certainly quicker ways out of the city- Highway 80 for example- we’re suckers for the scenic, so head west along Geary until you hit the water, then south on Great Highway to Skyline Drive. Here you’ll connect to Highway 1 South, which you’ll cruise for the next one hundred miles until you hit the Monterey Peninsula. This stretch of highway encapsulates what makes residents rave about this part of California in a nutshell, the great variety of nature. A sweeping corniche offers views of the sea stretching out to the horizon on one side of you, and the state parks, mountains, and redwoods along the other. California being the cult of car culture that it is, you’re likely to be sharing the road with at least one spirited sports car- at least until it buzzes by you- but take this route around car week and you’ll come across dozens playing a delightful game of cat and mouse.
While Santa Cruz and its boardwalk may make for a tempting first stop, we like to stay right on 1 until we hit one of our favorite little towns anywhere, the delightful and aptly named Carmel-By-The-Sea. A quaint downtown of shops, cafes, galleries, and inns any time of the year, during car week it carries the added bonus of millions of dollars of collector cars parallel parked along Ocean Ave. It’s not even that they’re hosting a car show, this is just where their owners come to spend the day as well. There are a number of great places to grab lunch, from the fairytale-esque Casanova to the casual charm of Katy’s Place. And no visit to Caramel for us is ever complete without a stop at jeweler Fourtane, which never ceases to impress us with their well curated collection of vintage Rolexes and Patek Philippes.
Just at the bottom of Ocean Ave is an entrance to Seventeen Mile Drive, the legendary loop that is exactly as long as you think it would be. Maintained in many parts by the Pebble Beach Corporation, Seventeen Mile Drive connects Carmel to Monterey, while offering wonderfully winding vistas of the fairways, the sea, and the magnificent mansions that dot them both. While it’s possible the have the drive bring you back to your entry point, it’s one of those roads that’s worth driving both ways for a thoroughly enjoyable 34 miles. By now it’s likely late afternoon, so one may choose to head back along Highway 1 North for the two hour shot back to San Francisco. Or should the mood strike, there’s ample places nearby to stay. We suggest doing as the guests of Aston Martin did and checking into Relais and Chateau’s luxurious jewel box L’ Auberge, right in Carmel. After all, spontaneous overnight trips are exactly why your trunk always has a fully packed leather Cavalier II.

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Ghurka favorites: The Rolex Explorer

While it can be argued that in the age of smartphones a reliable watch is no longer a necessity, we believe this is one more reason you should have one on your wrist, and it should probably be a good one. Along with being an amazing piece of machinery (and the only piece of jewelry many men will ever sport) a proper mechanical wristwatch is an elegant throwback to an analog era. It’s also something that will last forever, so if you don’t have one you’ve inherited from your own father at a milestone moment in your life, it’s fine time to start the tradition.
We’re partial to vintage watches. As with classic cars they’re just infinitely cooler, though luckily they’re less expensive to maintain. There are few better ...

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While it can be argued that in the age of smartphones a reliable watch is no longer a necessity, we believe this is one more reason you should have one on your wrist, and it should probably be a good one. Along with being an amazing piece of machinery (and the only piece of jewelry many men will ever sport) a proper mechanical wristwatch is an elegant throwback to an analog era. It’s also something that will last forever, so if you don’t have one you’ve inherited from your own father at a milestone moment in your life, it’s fine time to start the tradition.
We’re partial to vintage watches. As with classic cars they’re just infinitely cooler, though luckily they’re less expensive to maintain. There are few better places to start than with a Rolex. While the venerable Swiss brand needs little introduction, the various models which make up its history are a much more complex subject. In general, they break down into two categories: Dress watches - the Dates, Datejusts, Day-Dates, and Oyster Perpetuals often seen under suits in any combination of steel and gold, and what are known as “Tool” or sport watches. It's these Tool watches that have captured the interest of the most fervent collectors, as their histories are often as interesting and complex as the gears that make up their movements. Rolex's four most famous tool watches were made for very distinct purposes. The GMT was made for flying, the Daytona for racing, the Submariner for diving, and the Explorer for, well, exploring. As Ghurka embraces exploration of all sorts, we’re particular fans of the latter.
The Explorer was specifically designed, to be a rugged watch that could withstand all sorts of conditions, and earned its title when it was worn by members of Sir Edmund Hillary’s team when they first summited Mt. Everest in 1953. While most of Rolex’s other tool watches are somewhat chunky, the Explorer is quite subtle, measuring at the 36mm typical of most Rolex dress watches, as opposed to the 40mm of their sportier cousins. It is most recognizable by having just the “3” “6” and “9” marked by Arabic numerals on the dial, with a triangle marking the 12, as well as it’s “Mercedes” hour hand.
Explorers have recently been seen on the wrists of Matt Damon, Tom Hanks, and Brad Pitt. Bernie Madoff’s was infamously auctioned off with the proceeds going to his victims. Don Draper was also shown sporting a 1960’s Explorer in the fourth season of Mad Men, and Ian Fleming once wrote that James Bond’s Rolex was an Explorer, likely a nod to the author's own 1954 model.
Surprisingly, Explorers still represent a relative bargain in the vintage watch world. While many early Rolexes can easily pull in thirty thousand dollars or more, a little reseseach can yield a gem of an Explorer for just a tenth of that. Though with one important model recently selling at auction for $182,000, those days may soon be behind us. Regardless, it’s still the perfect sort of thing to keep safe on your bedside table in, our suede-lined Raj Box.

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Ghurka Features

Our Leather

The Stitching

The Brass

The Process

Our Leather

Ghurka leather is never pretreated to remove any flaws, we must begin by using the most naturally flawless hides available. While we utilize a variety of leather types based on which is best suited to a particular product, the majority of our goods are made from French calfskin. Calfskin has a finer grain and softer feel than traditional cowhide as the younger age of the animal brings less exposure to the harsh elements, the main cause of imperfection. French calfskin in particular is considered the finest in the world due to the fact that farms in France do not use barbed wire, one of the leading causes of mars and scratches. As no two skins are completely alike, each and every handcrafted leather Ghurka product will have an individual character that adds to its unique patina as it ages.

The Stitching

We use an extra-thick spun nylon that should never snap or fray, and all of our craftsmen ensure that each and every piece is stitched to our exacting standards. A careful review of any two parts of a Ghurka leather luggage piece will reveal exactly the same number of stitches per inch, a requirement for anything that leaves our workshop. The placement of these stitches is equally exact, precisely laid out to the millimeter to ensure that every bit of leather is assembled to last a lifetime.

The Brass

Brass is the only metal we've found that offers the strength, durability, and reliability that have become our hallmark. Every single piece of our hardware - from zippers, buckles, and hooks to the smallest of snaps and rivets are made solely from this rugged and beautiful material. A great deal of time and expense has been invested in perfecting our brass zippers. Every single tooth is individually machined and polished to ensure flawless operation after years of continuous use. And since all of our leather briefcase and leather travel bag hardware is solid brass and never plated, it too will develop a unique character and patina as it ages alongside our famous leather.

The Process

Since our founding, Ghurka has set out to manufacture the highest handcrafted leather goods available in the U.S. This has always begun with using only the finest hides in the world. While there are endless varieties of leather available, only a handful pass the rigorous selection process required to bear the Ghurka medallion. Likewise, our signature solid brass hardware and trademark stitching process ensure that our bags deliver an unparalleled owner experience and lifetime of use.

Our Leather

learn more

show less

Our Leather

Ghurka leather is never pretreated to remove any flaws, we must begin by using the most naturally flawless hides available. While we utilize a variety of leather types based on which is best suited to a particular product, the majority of our goods are made from French calfskin. Calfskin has a finer grain and softer feel than traditional cowhide as the younger age of the animal brings less exposure to the harsh elements, the main cause of imperfection. French calfskin in particular is considered the finest in the world due to the fact that farms in France do not use barbed wire, one of the leading causes of mars and scratches. As no two skins are completely alike, each and every handcrafted leather Ghurka product will have an individual character that adds to its unique patina as it ages.

The Stitching

learn more

show less

The Stitching

We use an extra-thick spun nylon that should never snap or fray, and all of our craftsmen ensure that each and every piece is stitched to our exacting standards. A careful review of any two parts of a Ghurka leather luggage piece will reveal exactly the same number of stitches per inch, a requirement for anything that leaves our workshop. The placement of these stitches is equally exact, precisely laid out to the millimeter to ensure that every bit of leather is assembled to last a lifetime.

The Brass

learn more

show less

The Brass

Brass is the only metal we've found that offers the strength, durability, and reliability that have become our hallmark. Every single piece of our hardware - from zippers, buckles, and hooks to the smallest of snaps and rivets are made solely from this rugged and beautiful material. A great deal of time and expense has been invested in perfecting our brass zippers. Every single tooth is individually machined and polished to ensure flawless operation after years of continuous use. And since all of our leather briefcase and leather travel bag hardware is solid brass and never plated, it too will develop a unique character and patina as it ages alongside our famous leather.

The Process

learn more

show less

The Process

Since our founding, Ghurka has set out to manufacture the highest handcrafted leather goods available in the U.S. This has always begun with using only the finest hides in the world. While there are endless varieties of leather available, only a handful pass the rigorous selection process required to bear the Ghurka medallion. Likewise, our signature solid brass hardware and trademark stitching process ensure that our bags deliver an unparalleled owner experience and lifetime of use.